A VERY BRIEF HISTORY

   Throughout time, jewelry and adornment has been part of human life. The need to belong as part of a community, denote rank within society, show favor or love to a family member or betrothed, or ward off bad luck has always fallen for the most part on these intricate items worn by each individual. Since before history was recorded, people have been using objects found in nature to create these first pieces of jewelry: bones, feathers, shells and tiny stones or pebbles. 

   Pebbles and gems were largely used because they were the most durable objects and also the most visually appealing. Humans began to admire the beauty and colorful designs that appeared in the stones themselves and realized that they were the most useful in creating a jewelry piece that was going to withstand wear. They were used in everything from amulets to hair pieces, to crowns, rings, pins, brooches, and clasps for capes, gowns and more. 

   Whatever their use, stones have been an indelible part of our history. They started out as tools and necessities for clothing, costumes and ceremony, but later became cherished and revered enough to represent some of the most basic parts of our humanity: love, belonging, safety, and a connection to our Earth.